LeBron James enters NBA’s Covid-19 health and safety protocols

LeBron James has been sidelined yet again as his disrupted season faces yet another obstacle that could sit him for an unknown period of time.

LeBron James could be out for 10 days. Photo: Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images/AFP

LeBron James was ruled out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ clash with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday after entering the NBA’s Covid-19 health and safety protocols, the team said.

It was unclear if James had tested positive for the coronavirus or whether he had come into close contact with someone who had but it was soon revealed that he had tested positive.

Watch the 21/22 NBA Season with ESPN on Kayo. Live coverage every week plus every game of the NBA Finals. New to Kayo? Start your free trial >

TMZ Sports reported James did in fact test positive for Covid using a lateral flow test, which came back positive.

He was given a PCR test, which came back negative but a third test came back positive.

The team has reportedly chartered a private jet to fly LeBron back to LA.

The Lakers superstar, who has been vaccinated, must now return two negative tests before being allowed to return to the court.

If James has tested positive, he could face up to 10 days on the sidelines, according to US media reports.

Players with Covid must be out 10 days, or return two negative PCR tests in a 24 hour period. For now, James will remain in the health and safety protocols.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 1, 2021

It continues a disrupted season for James, who has been unavailable for 11 of the side’s 22 matches before the Sacramento match.

A 10 day absence would mean LeBron misses four more games in a season where he has already had an ankle injury and an abdominal strain.

The Lakers have an 11-11 record this season but without James have only gone 4-7.

James and the rest of the Lakers roster were fully vaccinated before the start of the season in order to comply with local restrictions in Los Angeles.

The four-time MVP had earlier this year declined to say whether he would take the vaccine but in September said he had opted to be vaccinated in order to protect “me and my family.”

LeBron James just can’t stay on the court. Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

However, James attracted criticism in some quarters after saying it was not his job to encourage other players to get vaccinated.

“I don’t think I personally should get involved in what other people should do for their bodies and livelihoods,” James said in September.

“I know what I did for me and my family. I know what some of my friends did for their families. But as far as speaking for everybody and their individualities, and things they want to do, that’s not my job.”

Originally published as LeBron James enters NBA’s Covid-19 health and safety protocols